Concordia Comments

Concordia Lutheran School

3799 East West Highway

Hyattsville, Md. 20782

301-927-0266       FAX-301-699-0071

School Office Hours: 8:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M.

Website: www.clsmd.org

Issue: 10-01-07

 

MOST OF US NIT-PICK

My mom was the classic optimist. She could find the good in everyone and everything. Some would contend that people like my mom are just natural-born optimists. But I'm not so sure that a positive outlook comes from genes as much as it does from determination. Mom worked hard to see the best in people and situations and that wasn't always easy.

What is easy is finding character defects in any personality. Human beings are complex. Most are neither all good or all bad. When we concentrate our attention on someone's failing, we can become blinded to much that is good and decent. I recently read a biography about a scientist who was something of a cheat. It has now been determined that this man faked some of his data, stole a few ideas from other researchers and on top of that had a rather unpleasant personality. Most people--including his colleagues--didn't like him much.

But should all those flaws diminish our appreciation for what this man, Louis Pasteur, contributed to medicine? He is still the greatest scientist in French history.

In recent years it's become fashionable to focus on the flaws of our leaders. The news media can turn this negative nit-picking into a fine art. It can also happen in our work environment, families, and at school. Maybe you find yourself really only seeing the weaknesses or faults or the opposite. If you can only see the good and therefore cannot help someone to overcome their weaknesses. There needs to be a balance pluses and minuses in others! A real estate agent had the right idea.

 

OCTOBER CALENDAR:

 

TODAY: Mid-terms go home gr. 4-8

 

THURSDAY: Abundant Funds Gifts

 sale begins (ends Oct. 22)

 

Looking ahead:

 

Oct. 12 (Mon): SCHOOL CLOSED – Professional Day

 

 

yourself really only seeing the weaknesses or faults or the opposite... if you can only see the good and therefore cannot help someone to overcome their weaknesses. There needs to be a balance pluses and minuses in others!

A real estate agent had the right idea, "This property has advantages and disadvantages," he said. "To the north is a gasworks, to the east a glue factory, to the south a fishery, and to the west a sewage treatment plant."
 "So," asked the customer, "what are the advantages?" "Well," said the agent, “you can always tell which way the wind is blowing."

                                            D. Falkner

TARDIES are of concern any time they become excessive. We stress that five tardies in a grading period (quarter) must be addressed. Families must make the effort to be on time to school, at all grade levels, PS3 through grade 8. At the Longfellow campus, upon the 5th tardy, we impose Alternative Learning Center (ALC), which keeps late students out of their first period so their late arrival is not continually disruptive. Advanced notice of impending ALC will be given with a Parent Assistance Request (PAR). It is so very important that children arrive at school on time. Families are encouraged to use the 20 minutes before school begins to have their children arrive and get settled into their classroom.

 

MAGAZINE SALES CLOSURE:          Thanks so much to every participant in this sales campaign. Our total sales were close to $15,000 and we will profit about 40% from this. Please note that the QSP website is available year round if you wish to shop for magazines, books, or music for holiday or birthday gifts, etc. Simply log on to www.qsp.com, click on SHOP NOW, then enter Concordia's school number, 425031194. You can also use the school finder prompt. We will receive the 40% for on-line orders, as well. Prizes will be distributed as soon as they arrive. Top Sales Class winners are Grade 6 for the upper grades and grade 2 for the younger grades. They will receive a special party soon for their great efforts.

 

CONCORDIA is partnering with Cartridge World to collect used printer cartridges to be recycle. Concordia’s eighth grade class will sponsor this effort and collect a $1 donation for each empty cartridge. Please send in your used printer cartridges throughout the year and ask family and friends to participate too! The graduating class of 2008 appreciates your support!

 

PAPER RECYCLING AT CONCORDIA is done through Abitibi Consolidated, the world’s largest newspaper recycler. Use these easily-accessible yellow and green bins located at the Redeemer and Longfellow campuses to place your recyclable paper from your home or office to help us out. Concordia is paid for the following items, by weight: newspapers, magazines, catalogs, mail, envelopes, folders, fax and copy paper, colored paper, and shredded paper (please bag). NO PHONE BOOKS OR CARDBOARD PLEASE!

 

TIMELY TUITION PAYMENTS are very critical, like any obligation owed. After 30 days (one month late), a child may be restricted from attending school until all delinquent monies are paid. If for any reason your payment must be late, you must contact the Business Office with an explanation.

 

THE 2007-08 CONCORDIA HANDBOOK will be sent home, one per family, on Monday, Oct. 8.

 

WEBSITE: if you visit the website and are unable to access any aspect of it and require a password, there is a hint for you on the site about the password, but you can also call the office to get it.